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Mariners announce MiLB award winners: Lazaro Montes, Ryan Sloan hitter and pitcher of the year

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As the current Mariners look to write their names in the history books, some of tomorrow’s Mariners were at T-Mobile Park yesterday to be honored for the annual Mariners Minor League awards.

The winners are:

– OF Lazaro Montes (AA), Ken Griffey Jr. Minor League Hitter of the Year
– RHP Ryan Sloan (A+), Jamie Moyer Pitcher of the Year
– INF Colt Emerson (AA), Alvin Davis Mr. Mariner Award
– RHP Tyler Cleveland (AA), Dan Wilson Community Service Award
– INF Blake Rambusch (AA), Edgar Martinez Dominate The Zone Tournament Winner
– RHP Nick Davila (AA), Dominate The Zone Tournament Winner (Pitcher)
– Shawn O’Malley (AAA), Hitting Coach, Dave Henderson Staff Member of the Year

Montes, Sloan, Rambusch, and Davila were at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday to accept their awards. Emerson and O’Malley are otherwise occupied as the Rainiers make a Pacific Coast League playoff run, and Cleveland is in Arizona preparing for the Arizona Fall League.

Cleveland is recognized for his volunteer work; he consistently volunteered at every youth baseball clinic hosted by both High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas. He also earned the distinction of a selection to the Arizona Fall League (AFL), where he’ll pitch as part of the Peoria Javelinas against some of baseball’s top prospects.

Cleveland will be joined in Arizona by top prospect OF Jonny Farmelo, who was also at the park last week as the team hosted the Northwest League Champions, the Everett AquaSox.

Rambusch and Davila are this year’s Dominate The Zone winners, a tournament the team has been running across the affiliates since the hiring of Jerry Dipoto and company. Formerly known as the Control the Zone tournament, the contest recognizes one pitcher and one hitter who post the best strikeout-to-walk rates, respectively (hitters can also earn points for lengthy plate appearances). Winners earn an automatic invite to big-league spring training.

Rambusch, who posted a .364 OBP this season, reached base safely in 79 of his 103 games. At Double-A, Rambo walked 11.5% of the time while striking out just 15.5%. Davila’s strikeout-to-walk numbers took a bit of a hit after an early-season promotion to Double-A, but he actually cut his ERA down pitching outside the bandbox of Funko Field. He’s a groundball-inducing pitcher who’s one to watch this spring training.

“The reason those guys are up here is because they buy into the pillars of our organization,” said GM Justin Hollander. “They represent what we believe in, and they excel at that.”

The Mariners surprised many by promoting Colt Emerson, their top prospect per MLB Pipeline, to Tacoma late in the season after a short stint in Double-A. This was already an aggressive move for the young shortstop, who just turned 20 on July 20th. Since then, Emerson has continued to rake, storming into Tacoma and dazzling in his brief time there as he’s accompanied the Rainiers on their playoff run.

The Mariners value Emerson as much off the field as on it, recognizing him for his leadership abilities with the Alvin Davis Mr. Mariner award for the second straight season.

“You see AD over there,” said Hollander, gesturing to Alvin Davis who was on hand to present the award. “He’s Mr. Mariner for a reason. It’s not just about winning Rookie of the Year or being one of the best hitters in the history of the organization. It’s about what he represents on and off the field.”

Unfortunately for Emerson, his path to winning the award named after Seattle’s most iconic hitter is blocked by Cuban-born slugger Lazaro Montes, who took home the Ken Griffey Jr. Hitter of the Year award for the third straight year.

Montes is coming off a tremendous season split between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas, a challenging assignment for the 20-year-old. Montes struggled with strikeouts at Double-A, but also proved that Dickey-Stephens Park isn’t too much for him, walloping 14 homers in the notoriously power-sapping park.

Montes’s 32 total homers across both levels tie for the third-best home run mark in MiLB this season.

“They told me that in that park, nobody can hit homers, but for me that was an exciting moment, because I said, okay, let me show right now what I can do,” grinned the affable Montes.

Montes says his plan is to go to High Performance Camp (HPC) in the coming weeks, and then return to Miami for off-season training. He plans to work out again with teammate and fellow Cuban Randy Arozarena, who had a significant impact on Lazaro this past off-season.

“The way that [Randy] plays with his personality, that made me feel comfortable to be myself and to compete. He talked with my mom, and he’s got family close to my family in Pinar del Río, so we’re almost family,” beamed Laz.

This past off-season, Montes worked intently on moving more fluidly, a criticism that’s often been lobbied at the titanic slugger, who many outlets see as a future designated hitter.

“My dad was like, ‘Oh, why are they talking like that?’ I said, ‘Papi, chilllll out.’ That’s good for me, because I take that as a challenge, and I challenge myself every day. Everything that people say, for me, I see that and I say okay. We’ll see in the future.”

Montes said he’s spoken to Julio, who was also once labeled as a corner outfielder, and was inspired by Julio showing up to spring training having worked hard on speed and agility over the off-season.

“He got to spring training and he was like, ‘I’m here. I’m the centerfielder of this team. And I’m going to prepare like that, for that. I’m gonna play right field, left field, any part of the field, and be ready for that moment.’”

It was a thrill to follow along with Ryan Sloan’s first year as a professional, culminating in his award for Jamie Moyer Pitcher of the Year.

It’s funny that this award is named after Seattle’s soft-tossing lefty because Sloan couldn’t be more different: a big, physical righty, Sloan’s fastball zips in the upper 90s with plus ride. He says getting even more on it is his number one goal this off-season. “Well, maybe number two.”

Sloan is laser-focused on making improvements in his mental game, especially after getting knocked around a little in his brief stint at High-A.

“I think it was good that I failed,” said the 19-year-old. “I always like to take stuff from outings, and when I fail, it’s much easier to take stuff away.”

Sloan’s arsenal is impressive — along with the big fastball, he added a cutter this year as a bridge pitch between his fastball and slider, and a changeup that he continues to work on the consistency of (he calls it a confidence pitch) but he believes could be his best weapon.

Even more impressive is the maturity and work ethic of the 19-year-old, who Seattle selected with their second pick in the 2024 Draft, pitching in his first professional season.

“I like to put it like, it was a year of learning. For me, first year, but there’s a lot of guys that have played a lot more than I have, so being able to see what everyone has to say, what everyone experiences, what they’ve been through, what they’ve learned. Just hoping to pick everyone’s brain and try to become a better player, better person — not just pitching, not just the stuff that’ll come through practice and all the above, but trying to become a better person, better mentality on the mound, better mental stuff, better routine.”

Sloan said to do that, he leaned heavily on his teammates and pitching coaches, drawing from their experience. At the end of the season, he’s very proud of having finished his first professional season healthy, which he credits to the thing he’s most proud of: maturing and developing a pro routine, figuring out what he needs as a pitcher in order to go out and be successful.

“I think coming in, I thought my stuff was good. All the data and statistics info proved that it was pretty good. So just going out there and being able to have a non-cluttered mind. Just go out there, have a simple plan, have a simple thought. I think that was my biggest stride, just overall learning a bunch of stuff as you go along trying to mature.”

Sloan, like Montes, will head to HPC before heading home to the Chicago area for the off-season, where he says he’s got a solid place to train.

“Big old dome in Chicago. I’ll stay warm there.”

For as impressive as some of these performances are, Justin Hollander stresses that these awards are about celebrating the players’ contributions on and off the field.

“You can be that 80 grade human in a lot of different ways. And I think our organization has done a great job of not forcing a cookie-cutter mentality on every player. Laz is different than Colt Emerson. They’re both 80-grade human beings and teammates and players, but they do it their own way, in the same way that Cal and Julio are different people, and Logan and George are different people, and Bryan and Bryce are different people.

“We really believe strongly in making sure that we let the players know, like, these are our core values. This is our foundation. Now you go identify how you can make that your own and bring it to life.”
https://www.lookoutlanding.com/seattle-mariners-minors/134723/mariners-announce-milb-award-winners-lazaro-montes-ryan-sloan-hitter-and-pitcher-of-the-year

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas reveals what was said during phone call with Dani Dyer after she was forced to quit show – and how producers are working to replace her

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**Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas Reveals Details of Phone Call with Dani Dyer Following Show Exit**

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has opened up about her conversation with Dani Dyer after the TV personality was forced to quit the show due to a devastating injury. The 65-year-old dancer and judge appeared on *This Morning* alongside hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Wednesday to discuss Dani’s shock departure and how producers are working to find her replacement.

Speaking gravely about Dani, Shirley said, “I know her work ethic and when she got onto Strictly I thought, ‘They don’t know what’s hit them!'” Singing praises for the young star, Shirley continued, “This young lady is all sparkle, and of course, yesterday, she fell on her ankle, or twisted it, she has a hairline fracture, so she’s out.”

Shirley revealed she had spoken to Dani the day after her injury. “I spoke to her yesterday, she’s mortified, she’s devastated but, as I said to her, she could come back next year. You know, like Jamie Laing did, and he made the final.”

With Dani’s departure, Strictly bosses are now scrambling to find a replacement. Shirley shared insights on the situation behind the scenes: “I did speak to the executive producer [about a replacement] to try to get an answer for you and they’re hustling and bustling to see what they can do. We’re a dancer down. So, either, someone won’t go home the first week or something like that. But let’s hope that someone else will get the opportunity.”

The news broke on Tuesday when the *Daily Mail* reported that Dani, 29, one of the show’s favourites, had suffered a fractured ankle during a rehearsal last Friday, forcing her to bow out of the competition.

Dani confirmed the injury in a heartfelt statement, saying:
“I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.”

She added with a touch of humour, “Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so I’ve had to pull out of the show.”

Dani expressed her heartbreak over the situation: “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”

The accident occurred before Dani even had the chance to perform a routine on the show.

Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, also commented on the news:
“Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start. Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”

Many of Dani’s Strictly co-stars, celebrities, and professional dancers expressed their sympathies following her early exit. Among them was head judge Shirley Ballas, who wrote on social media:
“I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.”

—

Dani Dyer’s departure is a huge loss for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, but fans and the show’s cast alike are hopeful for her swift recovery and eventual return.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-15129141/strictly-judge-shirley-ballas-phone-call-dani-dyer-quit.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

5 WWE stars Triple H has given up on before the end of 2025

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WWE has been doing a phenomenal job with the matches and storylines featured over the past few months. This year has undoubtedly been one of the most successful in the company’s rich history, and Triple H deserves major credit for keeping fans engaged with some intriguing feuds.

While The Game has expertly led the Creative team, booking some of the best storylines, the WWE Hall of Famer has seemingly given up on a few stars. These talents are either not getting enough opportunities to showcase their skills on TV or are being used primarily to elevate other stars. Let’s take a look at a few wrestlers that Triple H appears to have given up on.

### #5. Giulia

The reigning Women’s United States Champion, Giulia, moved to the main roster earlier this year after a successful run as one of the biggest names in NXT’s women’s division. Since joining SmackDown, Giulia had a few weeks of exciting appearances but has rarely found a regular spot on the match cards.

Despite being a champion, her title has seldom been defended during her reign. Fans feel that this great talent, who has the potential to elevate the women’s division, has unfortunately lost all momentum.

### #4. LA Knight

Former WWE United States Champion LA Knight is another star that fits this list perfectly. The megastar is undoubtedly one of the roster’s biggest names and has proven his worth with incredible matches.

Currently on the RAW roster, Knight has been engaged in a feud with The Vision and Jey Uso. While involved in noteworthy storylines, Triple H seems to be using him more as a tool to help elevate other wrestlers rather than pushing Knight as a top-tier star.

### #3. Randy Orton

One of the greatest and most dangerous names in professional wrestling history, Randy Orton, has not been on the winning side for quite some time. The Viper has been involved in some significant feuds and there are rumors about an upcoming heel turn.

However, Orton’s recent storylines and matches do not position him as a leading star. Instead, his name has frequently been used to elevate other talents. This suggests that Triple H may have given up on Orton as a top name, opting to use the veteran to help build newer stars rather than allowing Orton to further justify his legacy.

### #2. Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu was one of the most dangerous stars to reach the top in 2025. As a member of the Bloodline faction, Fatu established himself as a dominant force on SmackDown.

His betrayal of Solo Sikoa at Money in the Bank earned him considerable fan attention. However, after his feud with Sikoa ended, Fatu lost all momentum and has been rarely featured on television. This decline indicates that Triple H might have given up on Fatu after his run as WWE United States Champion.

### #1. Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre is arguably the wrestler who has been waiting the longest for the push he deserves. The Scottish Warrior has spent much of the year helping other stars climb the ranks.

While McIntyre is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the industry, he has struggled to build momentum himself. Even in his recent battle for the Undisputed WWE Championship, the match primarily served to enhance Cody Rhodes’ title reign. This clearly shows that The Game has seemingly given up on McIntyre as a top star.

—

Fans will now have to wait and see what WWE has in store for these stars moving forward. Will Triple H change course and reinvigorate their careers, or will these talents continue to be underutilized? Only time will tell.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-wwe-stars-triple-h-given-end-2025

Patrick Mahomes’ ex-teammate makes feelings clear on Derrick Henry potentially being benched by Ravens after late fumble vs. Lions

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Derrick Henry has long been considered one of the best running backs of the 21st century. His combination of size, speed, and power has made him a dominant force on the field.

However, even a player of Henry’s caliber can be contained. Opposing defenses have developed strategies to limit his effectiveness and slow down his impact during games.

Understanding how teams manage to contain such a dynamic player provides valuable insight into the complexities of football strategy and the continuous evolution of defensive tactics.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-patrick-mahomes-ex-teammate-makes-feelings-clear-derrick-henry-potentially-benched-ravens-late-fumble-vs-lions

Troubled footy star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to part ways with Western Bulldogs

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Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to try and make an AFL comeback, but it won’t be with the Western Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were expected to make a call on Ugle-Hagan’s future early this week as the out-of-favour forward prepared for his exit interview. However, it now appears the Bulldogs star has made the decision for them.

The former No. 1 draft pick had previously been linked to the Sydney Swans, but their interest has reportedly cooled. The Dogs could seek a negotiated settlement on the remainder of his deal, which runs until the end of 2026, if no club picks Ugle-Hagan up before the end of the trade period.

This decision comes at the end of a difficult season in which Ugle-Hagan did not play a single game at any level, leaving both his career and the club in limbo. Despite remaining under contract until the end of 2026 on a deal worth upwards of $800,000 a year, it is widely believed he will not be at Whitten Oval next season.

The Bulldogs are currently weighing up whether to explore a trade, pursue a negotiated settlement, or find another way to cut their losses.

The 21-year-old’s turbulent year reached a low point in August when he was caught up in a nightclub shooting in Prahran. There is no suggestion that he was involved in the incident, but he was present at the Love Machine nightclub when it happened.

Ugle-Hagan later revealed he was standing just a metre from where a bullet struck, describing himself as “lucky to be alive.” This frightening episode highlighted off-field issues that have increasingly dominated discussions about his career, raising further concern about his wellbeing and lifestyle choices.

This incident followed months of absence from football. Ugle-Hagan began the year on a flexible training program following personal tragedy and officially took a leave of absence in April to focus on his mental health.

He later admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts and a deep loss of connection with the game. In June, he delivered an emotional video message to teammates apologising for his struggles and vowing to try again.

Although he returned briefly to training, he never pushed for selection and by season’s end had failed to feature in either the AFL or VFL sides.

For the Bulldogs, managing this situation has meant balancing support for a young man in crisis with the practical realities of a list spot and a heavy salary commitment. Coach Luke Beveridge has acknowledged the delicacy of the situation, recently stating that Ugle-Hagan needs a “fresh start.”

While Beveridge would not confirm whether that fresh start might still exist at the Bulldogs, his comments underline the growing belief that the club and player will part ways.

Trade speculation is already underway, with Sydney floated as a potential suitor. Any rival club would need to conduct extensive due diligence before considering a deal, cautious about taking on both the contract and the associated risks.

Ugle-Hagan’s management, however, insists he is capable of redemption. Prominent agent Paul Connors said last week he still believes in his client’s talent and commitment, pointing to Jesse Hogan’s successful revival at Greater Western Sydney as proof that players can rebuild careers after serious setbacks.

“He looks fit, he’s got an appetite for training, he trains hard,” Connors said. “I think he can still play, so it’s just if someone is going to give him an opportunity. You might have to go ten steps back to go twenty forward, but let’s see.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-15124703/Troubled-footy-star-Jamarra-Ugle-Hagan-ways-Western-Bulldogs.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Man United wins chaotic match against Chelsea and Liverpool remains perfect

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LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a chaotic Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday, easing pressure on coach Ruben Amorim.

The match was marked by heated moments as both teams were reduced to 10 men in the first half following red cards for Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and United midfielder Casemiro. Before his dismissal, Casemiro scored what proved to be the decisive goal for Manchester United. Entering the match, Amorim’s side had managed only one win in their previous four league games.

### Liverpool Remains Perfect

Earlier in the day, defending champions Liverpool extended their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 win against Everton in the fierce Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch had an impressive display, scoring one goal and assisting another to help Liverpool improve to a flawless 5-0 record this season.

Despite some sloppy moments in the second half, Liverpool held on after Idrissa Gueye pulled a goal back for Everton. This victory marked Liverpool’s fifth consecutive home win against Everton, their first such streak since 1937.

Everton, meanwhile, have struggled at Anfield in front of fans, failing to secure a win since 1999. Their only victory at the stadium came behind closed doors in 2021 during the pandemic. Everton manager David Moyes remains without a win in 23 games at Anfield spanning his terms with Everton, Manchester United, Sunderland, and West Ham.

Liverpool’s top two summer signings, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, made appearances as second-half substitutes, entering the pitch in the 61st and 67th minutes respectively.

Gravenberch opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical finish, following a perfectly timed one-hop pass from Mohamed Salah. The defensive midfielder skillfully lifted the ball over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a half volley.

In the 29th minute, Gravenberch set up Hugo Ekitike, who slotted the ball through Pickford’s legs to double Liverpool’s lead. Everton’s Idrissa Gueye responded with a long-range strike after a tap-back from Iliman Ndiaye off Jack Grealish’s cross.

At nearly 36 years old, Gueye became the second oldest Everton player to score in a Merseyside derby, behind 37-year-old Sam Chedgzoy in 1926, according to Opta.

### Pressure Mounting at West Ham

West Ham suffered yet another setback, losing 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace — their fourth defeat in five games under coach Graham Potter.

The former Chelsea boss, who has won only six of 25 games since his January arrival, also endured insulting chants from the London Stadium crowd. When asked about the chants, Potter said, “I didn’t hear it. I understand the frustration, but there’s nothing I can say.”

Potter’s tenure has been under scrutiny since lasting just seven months at Chelsea, with British media speculating about potential replacements including former Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo and West Ham legend Slaven Bilic.

When questioned about his position, Potter commented, “I’ve no reason to think not. But I also understand the environment and the results.”

Tyrick Mitchell scored the winning goal for Palace in the 68th minute after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener was canceled out by Jarrod Bowen. West Ham currently sits 18th in the Premier League with just three points.

### Wolves Still Searching for Points

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ situation looks grim following a 3-1 home defeat to Leeds United.

Manager Vitor Pereira, who recently signed a new contract, faces a challenging season as his side remains at the bottom of the table without any points from five games.

Wolves took an early lead through Ladislav Krejci inside eight minutes, but Leeds rallied with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring his first goal for the club after his summer move from Everton. Anton Stach and Noah Okafor added to Leeds’ tally, ensuring a convincing win for the newly promoted team.

### Tottenham Salvage a Draw at Brighton

Tottenham Hotspur showed resilience by coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brighton looked on course for only their second victory of the season thanks to early goals from Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari. However, Richarlison halved the deficit just before halftime, and an own goal from Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke in the 82nd minute secured a point for Spurs.

This marked the second time this season Brighton has lost a lead late in the game, having conceded a stoppage-time equalizer in their opening 1-1 draw with Fulham.

### Other Results

Nottingham Forest earned their first point under new coach Ange Postecoglou with a 1-1 draw at Burnley.

—

For more Premier League and soccer news, visit [AP soccer](https://apnews.com/hub/soccer).
https://wgntv.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-liverpool-maintains-perfect-premier-league-start-beats-everton-2-1-behind-ryan-gravenberch/

Breaking: Ousmane Dembele crowned 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner

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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Ousmane Dembele has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Dembele’s outstanding performances throughout the year have earned him the top honor in world football, cementing his status as one of the sport’s elite players.

Following closely behind, rising talents Lamine Yamal and Vitinha secured the second and third place finishes on the podium, respectively. Their remarkable displays have marked them as players to watch in the coming seasons.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-ousmane-dembele-crowned-2025-men-s-ballon-d-or-winner

Breaking: Ousmane Dembele crowned 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner

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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Ousmane Dembele has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Dembele’s exceptional performances throughout the year earned him the top honor in world football, cementing his status among the sport’s elite.

Following closely behind, young talents Lamine Yamal and Vitinha secured the second and third place podium finishes, respectively. Their impressive displays have marked them as players to watch in the coming seasons.

This year’s Ballon d’Or results highlight the remarkable skill and dedication exhibited by some of football’s brightest stars.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-ousmane-dembele-crowned-2025-men-s-ballon-d-or-winner

Ruud Gullit asks ‘are you ready for the Ballon d’Or?’ after Lamine Yamal wins 2025 Men’s Kopa Trophy, Barcelona ace responds with 3-word reply

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Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has revealed his nervousness ahead of the announcement of the Ballon d’Or winner.

His anxiousness became evident following a question posed by football legend Ruud Gullit.

The young talent’s reaction highlighted the pressure and excitement surrounding one of football’s most prestigious individual awards.

Fans and experts alike are eagerly awaiting the results, with Yamal’s response adding an intriguing human element to the highly anticipated event.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-ruud-gullit-asks-are-ready-ballon-d-or-lamine-yamal-wins-2025-men-s-kopa-trophy-barcelona-ace-responds-3-word-reply

Nelly Korda shares picture with her furry friend, dubs it ‘home’

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Nelly Korda is enjoying some well-deserved downtime at home with her dog after a rain-soaked week on the LPGA Tour. She recently returned from the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, where heavy rain caused play to be suspended during the second round. Before the suspension, Korda had carded a 2-under 69 in the opening round, placing her tied for 66th.

On Monday, September 22, Korda shared a cozy Instagram story with her 1.1 million followers, showing herself relaxing with her black Labrador at home. She captioned the picture simply with “Home” accompanied by a heart-hands emoji. The 27-year-old star often features her dog on social media. Earlier this month, she posted a playful photo of her dog stretched out across her lap.

Korda has long been an animal lover. She once had a cat named Rafi, who passed away in April after 15 years. At the time, she posted a heartfelt tribute about the special bond they shared and how much she missed him.

—

### When Nelly Korda Was Bitten by a Dog

In June, Nelly Korda reminded her followers of one of the lowest points of last year after sharing a photo related to a dog bite incident. Following a surprising second-round 81 that left her in tears at the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, she was bitten on the thigh by a dog the next day while at a coffee shop in Seattle.

“I regret to announce that I must withdraw from next week’s Ladies European Tour tournament in London. On Saturday in Seattle, I was bitten by a dog and need time to receive treatment and recover fully,” Korda said at the time. “I apologize to the LET, the sponsors, and my fans for my absence. Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to returning to the course soon,” she added.

The injury forced her to miss the Aramco Team Series event at London’s Centurion Club, an event she had won the previous year by four strokes. Initially, Korda did not share any images of the injury, only mentioning that the bite was on her thigh.

A year later, on June 26, 2025, Korda finally posted a picture showing the deep marks from the bite. “Throwing it back to a year ago when I got bit by a dog at the coffee shop,” she wrote on her Instagram story while explaining the reason for her recent break.

—

### Challenging Season for Korda

This season has also been a challenging one for Korda. She has slipped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the Rolex Rankings and has yet to secure a win in 16 starts. Nonetheless, she has maintained consistency by making every cut and recording seven top-10 finishes, including two inside the top 10.

Despite the ups and downs, Nelly Korda remains focused and determined as she continues to compete at the highest level of women’s golf.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-nelly-korda-shares-picture-furry-friend-dubs-home